For the second straight year, the Metropolitan Division is going to give us the President’s Trophy winner, unless of course the Washington Capitals have an epic collapse for the ages in the final few weeks. It is certainly one of the best divisions in hockey, which often makes us forget that there are a couple of teams in there that just aren’t good enough to compete in it just yet. The Carolina Hurricanes are in the process of trying to turn that around, as there are some major changes taking place there, while the Columbus Blue Jackets have been a total disappointment this season. I, like many other hockey fans, thought that Columbus might be a dark horse team this season, but they have been unable to recover from what was a truly awful start to the season. These two teams are destined to miss the playoffs this season, but they will still want to close things out on as positive a note as possible. You can wager on this game by visiting the NHL online betting page.
Carolina Hurricanes Vs Columbus Blue Jackets NHL Odds Report
When: Thursday, March 24 at 7 PM EST
Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus
TV: FSS and FSOH
Radio: WCMC and WBNS
NHL Odds: TBA
Why bet on the Carolina Hurricanes
There is a real commitment being made by the current top brass at the Carolina Hurricanes (31-28-14) to make this team better, but it’s a process that’s going to take some time. If this team can finish above .500, that would probably be seen as a good first step, but that is not going to happen if their current losing skid doesn’t come to a halt soon. The Hurricanes have now lost 5 games in a row, but have been close in every game, with 4 of the 5 decided by a single goal. That had been the recurring theme for the Hurricanes, as their anemic offense just isn’t good enough to get them over the top in games that they keep close. Carolina are averaging 2.4 GPG, an are giving up 2.7 GPG.
Why bet on the Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets (30-35-8) are coming off a really tough part of their schedule, and a 4-6-0 record in their last 10 games shows that it went just as you might have expected. That said, they have won 2 of their last 3 games, including a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, that may well have put a serious dent in that team’s playoff hopes. That win came on home ice, which is where the Blue Jackets have played some of their best hockey this season. Sure, 3 games over .500 at home is nothing to get overly excited about, but it is a decent mark for a team that has been this poor all season long. The Jackets are averaging 2.5 GPG, and are giving up 3.0 GPG.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
Nothing but pride to play for in this one. The Hurricanes have won 5 of the last 6 meetings with the Blue Jackets, yet I don’t like them to get the win here. Columbus are playing just a little better than Carolina right now, and I think they will win a close one, possibly in OT.
